Saturday, December 18, 2010

Dushman (released in 1998) - A great movie directed by Tanuja Chandra, and starring Kajol, Sanjay Dutt, and Ashutosh Rana

For some time now, the concept of villains in Hindi Movies has undergone a transformation. With the depiction of the angry young man by Amitabh Bachchan who acts as a rebel, and then the villain played by Shahrukh Khan in the 3 movies he did on a trop (Baazigar, Darr and Anjaam), a villain came to be a seen as a person who became a villain due to circumstances, and that there were shades of grey (rather than a pure Black and White) in the depiction of a villain. And then came this movie which showcased a pure villain, who had no real reasons that could give a reason as to why they became a villain; just pure lust that could turn a person into capable of killing. The movie was the debut movie of director Tanuja Chandra, and gave her a good reputation. The movie had music by Uttam Singh, with an incredible sad song by Jasjit Singh (Chithi Na Koi Sandesh).
The movie had some good performances by Kajol (in a double role), Sanjay Dutt (as a blind major), and Ashutosh Rana as the cold blooded killer who can kill without mercy and who can create the total sense of fear in Kajol.



The movie shows the life of twin sisters, Sonia and Naina Sehgal (both played by Kajol). Sonia is more of an extrovert, and is in a relationship with Jas Arora (with both of them committed to marry each other); Naina is more of the introvert - and both of them are deeply in love with each other. And then there is the postman, Gokul, who rapes and kills without mercy and whom the police is hunting. And then the unthinkable happens, with Gokul finding Sonia alone at home when he comes to deliver something, and then he does rape and kill her. This is a horrible tragedy for the family, and they are not able to take this loss.
Naina wants to find who the killer is, and is soon very suspicious of Gokul, and even gets the police to question him. However, Gokul is able to use a social worker to get the police to get off his case and is again free. There is also a nurse who is in love with Gokul, but when she gets inconvenient, he even bumps her off in a forest type of scenario. In the meantime, Naina has come in touch with a blind major (war hero), Suraj Singh Rathod (Sanjay Dutt), who tries to give her courage.
Now, Gokul wants to take revenge on Naina, since he believes that she has got the police on his back and is a threat to him, and this leads to the final confrontation between Naina and Gokul.

Dushman (released in 1998) - A great movie directed by Tanuja Chandra, and starring Kajol, Sanjay Dutt, and Ashutosh Rana

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Hera Pheri (released in 1976) - starring Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Saira Banu

Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna acted in a number of movies (a total of 6 movies) together in the 1970's, with Hera Pheri being one of them (Amar Akbar Anthony was the most famous of these). Hera Pheri was directed by Prakash Mehra, and starred Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Saira Banu, Sulakshana Pandit, Shreeram Lagoo and Asrani. The movie had one nomination for the Filmfare Award, with Vinod Khanna being nominated for Best Supporting Actor (although he did not win). The movie had some popular music by the music director duo of Kalyanji-Anandji, and the movie script was written by Satish Bhatnagar and Vijay Kaul.
The movie was popular, although it can get complicated. Like many other movies of that period, it showcases the hero (or heroes) as criminals, but good-hearted criminals. They are not terrorists, they don't go around shooting people with guns or something, but they steal jewelery from rich people, or they steal from rich houses, and so on.

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The story of this movie is based on the relationship between 2 friends, Ajay (Vinod Khanna) and vijay (a person by the name of Vijay cannot be anybody other than Amitabh Bachchan). Vijay saves Ajay when Ajay is going to jump in front of a train, and ever since then, they became the best of friends. Ajay was sold by his father to get money for his mother's illness, and then his foster parents died, so Ajay was rendered homeless; Vijay on the other hand is troubled by the story of his parents. His father was killed, and it was on that night that his mother turned mad, and he is looking for how to cure her (maybe getting the murderer would help in doing that).
The twist in the story is that the person who killed Vijay's father is actually Ajay's long lost father (the one who sold him away and now seeks him desperately, as much as he seeks to kill Vijay's mother (she witnessed the murder of her husband and is a witness)). In order to get medication for his mom, Vijay plays a con man who, along with Ajay, cons people to earn money. When Ajay finally finds his father, he changes sides and goes to his father, leaving Vijay. What happens next ?

Hera Pheri (released in 1976) - starring Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Saira Banu

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Sholay (1975) - One of the greatest Indian movie hits of all time

When you think of great Hindi movies, one of the names that always comes to the front is the movie called Sholay, released in 1975. The movie seems like it was set in another age, it being now 35 years since it was released and became a huge hit; and is now a cult movie. If it comes on TV even now, you can be sure that there will be some people who will want to watch. And the movie created a set of characters who became incredibly famous, specifically the few characters of Gabbar (Amjad Khan), Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar), Jai (Amitabh Bachchan), Veeru (Dharmendra), and Basanti (Hema Malini), and the under-played role of Radha (played by Jaya Bachchan).
The movie took a chance, starring a newcomer in the pivotal role of the dacoit leader (Danny was the original choice, but he was unavailable, and hence a newcomer such as Amjad Khan was selected). The movie was based on a small idea by the prolific writer duo of Salim-Javed. And the outcome was a movie that broke all records, and became a cult movie known till today.



The movie was produced by G.P. Sippy and directed by his son Ramesh Sippy. Music for the film was given by RD Burman, with the lyrics provided by Anand Bakshi. During direction, the movie went over-budget, since the director wanted to be perfect in the shooting, and many of the shots took many takes and many days. The movie also had real-life relations between the stars, with Amitabh and Jaya getting married 4 months before shooting of the movie started, and Dharmendra romancing Hema Malini at that time. The movie took a period of 2.5 years to make. The movie also had an effect on tourism, with the location of Ramanagaram (a rocky terrain), a village near Bangalore, Karnataka being the shooting site, and being known later as the location where Sholay was shot.
The movie was based on the concept of revenge, where a local dacoit terrorises the village, and also takes revenge on the family of the local thakur. The Thakur in turn hires 2 small-time but brave crooks to come in to fight the dacoit and his gang, and this is what they do, but with some sadness, as one of the 2 loses his life in the end.
The movie takes these 2 small time crooks (Jai and Veeru) in a jail. They are remembered by an ex-policeman, the Thakur, when he is looking for somebody who can help him fight the dacoits (led by Gabbar). He had apprehended them, and then see how brave they were when they fought off dacoits who were trying to rob a train. He meets them, and offers them a large amount of money if they can get rid of Gabbar and his gang. Gabbar is a violent and brutal dacoit leader who is terrorising the villages.
In the first confrontation, three men from Gabbar's gang come to get supplies from the villagers, something that they do without any issue in the past. Now, however, they face a fight from Jai and Veeru and have to go back without any supplies; at which Gabbar cannot stand the sight of his men being humiliated in front of the village and shoots them after some drama (in a scene that was much appreciated). The next major attack is on Holi, during which Jai and Veeru are pinned down and are looking for Thakur to throw a gun towards them, but he does not cooperate. Later his story is revealed, where he had arrested Gabbar some time back, and then Gabbar killed all his family except for one daughter-in-law Radha (Jaya Bhaduri). And in another confrontation, Gabbar cut off both his hands leaving him without any hands.
So, the situation continues, with Jai and Veeru staying in the village, and getting fond of Radha and Basanti respectively. Gabbar has cut off the village from the outside, but they fight back by killing some of his men. And then the final confrontation, where the fight with Gabbar and his men take place, in which Jai finally dies.

Sholay (1975) - One of the greatest Indian movie hits of all time

Some interesting scenes from the movie:

Where Jai talks to Basanti's mausi and turns her against Veeru, and Veeru on the water tank:



Scene from the jail early in the movie with Asrani:

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Majboor (released in 1974) - starring Amitabh Bachchan, Parveen Babi, Pran, and Farida Jalal

Majboor was a movie, released in 1974, that shows the fate of a man, who gets stuck in a web of his own making and is now making frantic efforts to extricate himself from that web. Majboor means 'Somebody who is being forced into a course of action'. The movie was a fairly decent hit, with some good performance by the leading man, the superstar Amitabh Bachchan. The movie was directed by Ravi Tandon, and produced by Premji. The movie had some good music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and the story of the movie was written by the hit pair of Javed Akhtar-Salim Khan (who had written many other leading movie stories as well). The stars of the movie, included, besides Amitabh Bachchan, Parveen Babi, Pran, Madan Puri, Rehman and Farida Jalal.
The movie is apparently based on an earlier American movie called Zigzag (released in 1970), based on the same subject (that of an innocent man framing himself to collect money that his family will need, since he believes that he is on his death bed, but then gets cured and now wants his freedom back).



So, Amitabh Bachchan leads a simple life as a travel agent, with his mother, his brother and his wheelchair bound sister (Farida Jalal) depending on him for the running of the family. And then, it seems that the gods have frowned down on him, and he starts suffering headaches, which leads to the diagnosis of an incurable brain tumor. But, what worried him apart from death is the fact that since he is the sole bread winner of the family, what will happen after his death ? Who will take care of him family ? This makes him even more desperate.
And in this desperation, he strikes upon an idea. One of his clients dies, and the brother of the dead man offers a reward of Rs. 5 lakhs for the finding of the murderer. And Rs. 5 lakh is a huge amount. Ravi (Amitabh) plays a game in which he will be blamed for the murder, and his family will get the Rs. 5 lakh. Everything goes according to plan, and he is caught and sentenced to death for the murder. And then, something else happens. While in jail, he suffers a major attack, and is taken to hospital where his tumor is cured; now he wants his life back, but he has already plotted his one role in the murder and is a sentenced criminal. How does he get his life back, and get the sentence reversed ? It's a taut tale, fast moving, also starring the beautiful Parveen Babi.

Majboor (released in 1974) - starring Amitabh Bachchan, Parveen Babi, Pran, and Farida Jalal

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) starring Manoj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Zeenat Aman

The struggle to remain good and maintain high morals when facing adverse situations in life can be a hard struggle; after all, there are a number of movies depicting how a criminal rose up in life because of poverty are a large number. Manoj Kumar has made a number of movies on the concept of patriotism, or on the struggle in life between the good and the bad, with this movie being an integral part of his collection. The name 'Roti Kapda aur Makaan' delineates this struggle, with the words literally translating into the following - Food, Clothes and House (Shelter), depicting the necessities of life.
The movie was a very successful movie, having struck a chord in the audience about the struggle to make ends meet and the moral problems that get associated with such struggles, becoming the most successful movie of 1974. The movie was made (produced and directed) by Manoj Kumar, and like many of his other movies, was a multi-starrer, starring Shashi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Amitabh Bachchan, Moushmi Chatterjee, besides Manoj Kumar in the lead role.
Some of the songs of the movie were very successful, such as "Hay Hay Yeh Majboori", "Main Na Bhoolunga", etc. The music for the movie was by Laxmikant-Pyarelal (earning him a Filmfare Award Nomination, and winning the Best Lyrics award for Santosh Anand).



The movie is about the head of a family, Bharat (Manoj Kumar) who takes on the responsibility for his family after the retirement of his father. He has 2 younger brothers Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Deepak (Dheeraj Kumar), as well as a sister Champa, who is eligible to get married. However, he is not so successful, not able to find work despite having a good education. The only earning he has is through a job as a singer, but it does not pay that much; this makes his girlfriend Sheetal (Zeenat Aman) extremely frustrated, and she starts working as a secretary to a rich businessman Mohan Babu (Shashi Kapoor), who starts falling in love with her; she is seemingly more interested in his wealth.
Bharat in the meantime is going through more struggles; his efforts to become a builder end in failure when the Government takes over his building site and leaves him with grave financial problems. Sheetal also gets engaged to her boss, and then Bharat's father dies. Even when a suitor is found for his sister Champa, Bharat is unable to get the required amount of money for the marriage. What does Bharat do ? How does he resist the temptation to get into crime ?

Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) starring Manoj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Zeenat Aman

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Bombay to Goa (1972) - starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Aruna Irani and Mehmood, with some good music

Bombay to Goa is one of the earlier movies of Amitabh Bachchan, and hence, at those times, there were roles that were not written solely for him, but since he was a young and upcoming actor, the movie did showcase him; with the movie "Bombay to Goa" being meant to launch the brother of Mehmood, Anwar Ali, and also showcase the talent of Amitabh Bachchan.
The movie is mostly about a bus journey, taken by a young girl where she is seeking to escape the clutches of a man looking to kill her (he has already taken money from her and also killed his own partner for the same money). The bus journey provides her (and the viewers) with a lot of adventure, and also makes her more mature.
The movie was produced by NC Sippy and directed by S. Ramanathan; and stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Aruna Irani and Mehmood. The music for the movie was given by R.D.Burman.



Mala's picture appears in a magazine, submitted by 2 friends of Mala (Sharma (Shatrughan Sinha), and Verma (Manmohan)); however her parents are very surprised and astonished to see these photos, and plan to marry her off to the son of their friend. However, Mala is certainly not ready to marry somebody whom she does not know and dreams of a film career. She does not understand the attitude of her parents, takes a lot of money from her parents without their knowing, and runs away from home.
She hands the money over to Sharma and Verma; and seeing this much money, their intention changes and they fight among themselves for the money, with Sharma killing Verma. Mala sees this, and is now running for her life from Sharma and tries to escape on a bus that is on the way to Goa. However, Sharma soon finds her and then enters Ravikumar (Amitabh Bachchan) who wants to save Mala. Eventually Mala starts to trust Ravikumar. The movie becomes very interesting due to the various assorted passengers on the bus, representing a cross section of people from all over India, with Mehmood playing the role of the conductor of the bus, and his brother, Anwar Ali, playing the driver Rajesh.

Bombay to Goa (1972) - starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Aruna Irani and Mehmood, with some good music

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Guddi (1971) - the movie that made Jaya Bachchan famous and known as an accomplished actor

Guddi was a movie released in 1971, produced and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee (who made a number of famous movies during the 70's) and was written by Gulzar. However, the movie is best famous for giving Jaya Bachchan, then a young and upcoming actress, a canvas for her to show her acting skills and fortunately for her, the movie did well and was praised (thus leading to a lot of praise for Jaya Bachchan). The movie also starred Dharmendra, Utpal Dutt, and had a number of other starts such as Amitabh Bachchan, Om Prakash and Pran making guest appearances in the movie; this was also because the movie was also about a big star and his work in Bollywood, so a lot of details about Bollywood were shown in the movie. In fact, some other stars such as Biswajeet, Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Khanna, Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Naveen Nischol, Om Prakash, Pran, Shashikala and Mala Sinha played cameo roles in the movie.
The movie also had some good music with songs such as "Bole Re Papihara" and "Humko Man Ki Shakti Dena" (sung by Vani Jairam) becoming very famous for their classical background. The music for the film was given by Vasant Desai.



The movie is about the concept of being attracted by the on-screen personality of a star, based on what the star plays as characters, instead of knowing the real life of the star (and where the character of the star could be very different from the characters played). In this case, Kusum (Jaya Bachchan) is a schoolgirl who develops an incredible crush for the movie star Dharmendra; she lives with her family; but when she visits Mumbai, that is when the crush that she has for Dharmendra really reveals itself.
At that time, her sister-in-law's brother, Navin (Bengali film actor Samit Bhanja) falls in love with her, but when she is so much after Dharmendra, it is impossible that she could even listen to anybody else. Navin takes help from his own uncle, Utpal Dutt, who also knows Dharmendra, and they resolve to show Kusum the difference between the reel life and real life (taking help from Dharmendra for this).

Guddi (1971) - the movie that made Jaya Bachchan famous and known as an accomplished actor

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Reshma Aur Shera (released in 1971) - starring Sunil Dutt, Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman, Raakhee

Reshma Aur Shera was one of the earlier movies of Amitabh Bachchan, at a time when he was not the established superstar. The movie is an account of betrayal, love, murder, honour, set against the backdrop of the sands and harshness of Rajasthan. The movie was essentially the creation of Sunil Dutt, who also produced and directed the movie.
The movie was well liked by critics, and was nominated for some international (although it did not win too many). Some of the awards it was nominated for include:
- The Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival
- Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (Oscars)
The movie was written by S. Ali Raza, with some beautiful music by Jaidev (for which he won the 1972 National Film Award for Best Music Direction (his first award for music)).



The movie is about the feud between 2 families, and in a story that has been seen many times, where the children of both families are in love. The eldest son of Sagat Singh, Shera (Sunil Dutt) is not the more violent and revenge seeking son, trying to make peace. He is very strongly attracted to the daughter Reshma (Waheeda Rehman) of his father's rival, and she also falls in love with him when she sees how he can be strong for peace rather than for more revenge.
And yet there is a third element, the younger son of Sagat Sing, the mute Chotu (Amitabh Bachchan, who plays the role of a skilled shooter, also heavily influenced by his father). Eventually Chotu goes against the wishes of his brother in terms of not having violence and going in for peace and influenced by his father who wants Chotu to shoot the rival and his son both. And they both die; this causes Shera to hunt for his own brother to kill him. What happens next ?

Reshma Aur Shera (released in 1971) - starring Sunil Dutt, Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman, Raakhee

Monday, May 24, 2010

Yaadon Ki Baarat (1973) - A story of revenge, with some incredible songs, starring Dharmendra and Zeenat Aman

How many people are there who would not have heard of this movie ? Yaadon Ki Baarat is one incredible movie, full of masala, full of some great music, with a murder, and then the quest for revenge on somebody whom the children of the killed cannot even identify, and then you have the capers of a thief (who works with somebody who is actually the killer), and you have a very enjoyable movie. And when you add a delectable Zeenat Aman, you get a really incredible movie.
The movie was made by Nasir Hussain, who produced and directed the movie. The movie starred some of the bigger stars, and some of the not so large ones, with the cast comprising of Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman, Vijay Arora, Tariq, and Neetu Singh.
The movie had some great songs, with 'Chura Liya Hain Tumne' being a song that is remembered and played even now, and music was provided by RD Burman. The script for the movie was provided by the famous pair of Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan. One lesser know fact about the movie was that it starred Aamir Khan as a cute young boy (the youngest of the 3 children shown in the movie).



The movie is a classic story about siblings separated early, when they are very young, and who meet later in life (and then realize much later that they are brothers). An artist, who defies a gang, is killed by them with the young children of the couple witnessing the murder. When running away, they get separated. They all have different life styles, with the eldest becoming a skilled burglar, the second one being a normal (not wealthy) person, and the youngest one becoming a singer. All they remember is a childhood song called 'Yaadon Ki Baarat'.
They do meet up several times but cannot associate any relationship between them; and go through various relationships (with the middle one played by Vijay Arora falling in love with Zeenat Aman after pretending to be a rich man, when his secret is out, Zeenat is shocked at the deception). The main story however is that of Shankar, the eldest one, played by Dharmendra, who is trying to find the murdered of his parents, and eventually realizes that the one whom he works for is the murderer.

Yaadon Ki Baarat (1973) - A story of revenge, with some incredible songs, starring Dharmendra and Zeenat Aman

Friday, May 21, 2010

Saat Hindustani (1969) - An early movie (debut movie) starring Amitabh Bachchan as a freedom fighter

The liberation of Goa from the Portuguese rule was a major event of the 1960's (with the liberation happening in 1961 through a combination of Portuguese losing the impulse to stay, the effort of local freedom fighters and the pressure of the Indian army). This was also captured in multiple movies, such as Pukar, and this movie Saat Hindustani. Saat Hindustani was also famous since it was the debut movie of the superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, who has gone on to stride the Indian film scene as its supreme leading star. The movie was not particularly exciting, even though it covered an incident such as a freedom struggle, but it was inspiring in terms of nationalism. The movie won an award for National Integration in 1970, and Amitabh Bachchan won the award for Best Newcomer for his portrayal of the shy Muslim poet who seems to be somewhat wrongly chosen for the role of a freedom fighter, with his portrayal of first shirking away when a Portuguese spy is killed.



The movie was directed by the famed poet KA Abbas (Khwaja Ahmad Abbas). The movie takes the life in flashback of seven Indians who are out to destroy some symbols of Portuguese rule in Goa, such that it will shake the occupiers, and also show the local inhabitants that the people of India are with them and will make efforts to help them in their fight against the Portuguese. The movie combines many elements of a patriotic movie, such as people from different religions and ethnicities coming together, inspired by the chance to prove their patriotism and nationalism.
However, the movie starts in a hospital. Maria is in a hospital, with the doctor prescribing an operation to overcome the dangerous ill-effects she suffered in a Portuguese prison in Goa, but she wants to delay the operation by a week in order to send out telegrams to her former 6 companions, who are located in different parts of the country, with many of them having current feelings that are not so nationalistic anymore.
These people are;
Subodh Sanyal, a football referee from Calcutta (played by Madhu)
From Punjab, the farmer, Joginder (Utpal Dutt along with Dina Pathak as his wife)
Mahadevan (Irshad Ali), a Dalit from Madras, who is now an anti-Hindi believer
Ram Bhagat Sharma (Anwar Ali) from Benaras
The Urdu Poet Anwar Ali ‘Anwar’ (Amitabh Bachchan, in his debut role), from Ranchi. A proponent of Urdu, and anti-Hindi.
And then one person who is not driven by these differences, Sakharam Shinde (Jalal Agha), from Maharastra. He is a member of a local dance group.
All of these people were inspired to go into Goa, where they met Maria. Their aim was to enter Goa and then take over some police stations, and put the Indian flag on top of them. The rest of the movie is not very interesting, but still worth as a watch for being the debut movie of Amitabh Bachchan.

Saat Hindustani (1969) - An early movie (debut movie) starring Amitabh Bachchan as a freedom fighter

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Aks (2001) - a superb movie starring Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpai, Raveena Tandon, and Nandita Das

Aks released in the year 2001 and is a supernatural thriller. It has as its central theme the age old conflict between good and evil. The film starred Amitabh Bachhan, Nandita Das and Manoj Bajpai. Directed by debutant director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, it received a lot of critical appreciation but did not fare well at the box office. The supernatural theme of the film and the struggle between the evil and good is somewhat ambiguously portrayed. The audience found it difficult to accept and appreciate the lead character’s internal struggles.

Manu (Amitabh Bachchan) is an honest cop. He is hot on the pursuit of Raghavan (Manoj Bajpai), a dreaded killer. Manu tracks him down to Budapest but is unable to prevent Raghavan from killing the Indian Defence Minister and stealing a valuable floppy that has important information that could affect the very destiny of the nation. Manu is able to arrest the killer and he even tries to force Raghavan to divulge the details of the floppy, but the latter remains mum. Raghavan is sentenced to death. Raghavan tries to escape but he is shot down by Manu.

Soon, the very people who were involved with Raghavan’s sentencing start dieing mysteriously, one by one. At the same time Supriya (Nandita Das), Manu’s wife notices subtle changes in his demeanour. Initially she is pleased but one night when Manu forces himself on her, she is convinced that things are not right. Similarly Arjun Singh, Manu’s friend also notices the changes in him. As the body counts keep rising, the finger of suspicion keeps pointing at Manu. Slowly it is revealed that Raghavan’s spirit has taken control ofManu’s body and soul. As a result Manu finds himself drawn to Raghavan’s girlfriend (Raveena Tandon), a bar dancer. The honest inspector is thus caught in a vicious internal turmoil where the good and the evil struggle to take complete control.



The climax sees Manu and Raghavan engage in a fatal encounter where the former tries to save his soul and his conscience from the devil. At the end Raghavan is finally vanquished and Manu is able to regain his sense of being and of right and wrong. The film is worth watching for Amitabh Bachchan’s performance alone. As the tormented man caught between the right and wrong, he puts in a finely nuanced performance. Manoj Bajpai as the diabolical Raghavan is a delight to watch. Anu Malik’s music is very good as well. Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra does a competent enough job as a first time director.


AWARDS WON

Won
Filmfare Award
Best Actor - Critics Amitabh Bachchan
Best Background Score Ranjit Barot

Screen Awards
Best Actor in a Negative Role Manoj Bajpai
Best Supporting Actress Raveen Tandon

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Produced by Amitabh Bachchan, Jhamu Sughand
Written by Renzil D'Silva, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Kamlesh Pandey
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Raveena Tandon, Manoj Bajpai, Nandita Das
Music by Anu Malik, Ranjit Barot
Cinematography Kiran Deohans
Editing by P.S. Bharthi


VIDEOS OF SONGS

Yeh Raat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DUKybsasDQ




Banda Yeh Bindas Hai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7jFvxfMMrY




Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajrI4YtlcSQ




LYRICS

Aaja gufaon mein

Singers: KK, Vasundhara Das

Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa

Chehre Pe Chehra Chadta Hai Chehra
Chehra Badalta Hai Chehra Hi Chalta Hai
Chehre Pe Chehra Chadta Hai Chehra
Chehra Badalta Hai Chehra Hi Chalta Hai
Chehra Siya Kar Le Chehra Siya Kar Le
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa

Saase Ubal Ne De Taariki Badne De
Ruhe Andheron Mein Jalti Hai Jal Ne De
Jalti Hai Jalti Hai Jal Ne De Jalti Hai Jal Ne De
Saase Ubal Ne De Taariki Badne De
Ruhe Andheron Mein Jalti Hai Jal Ne De
Mujhse Nibah Kar Le Mujhse Nibah Kar Le
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gunaah Kar Le
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa
Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa

---------------------

Banda Yeh Bindas Hai

Singer: KK

Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Banda Hai Yeh Bindas Hai Yeh
Banda Hai Yeh Bindas Hai Yeh
Bhawra Hai Bhawra Hai Yeh Lo Bhi Hai
Hushiyaar Hai
Do Do Makote Iske Do Bhaari Talwar Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Bhawra Hai Bhawra Hai Yeh Lo Bhi Hai
Hushiyaar Hai
Do Do Makote Iske Do Bhaari Talwar Hai
Champa Chameli Genda Sab Ras Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai

Kya Bura Aur Kya Kharaab Hai
Hai Sirf Jeena Hisaab Hai
Jaadu Hai Sar Chadega
Aur Jo Utregi Sharab Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Kya Bura Aur Kya Kharaab Hai
Hai Sirf Jeena Hisaab Hai
Jaadu Hai Sar Chadega
Aur Jo Utregi Sharab Hai
Champa Chameli Genda Sab Ras Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Banda Yeh Bindas Hai Banda Yeh Bindas Hai
Ras Peene Ki Pyaas Hai

----------------------

Hum Bhool Gaye

Singer: Chitra

Hum Bhool Gaye Hain Rak Ke Kahin
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte The
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte Hain
Hum Bhool Gaye Hain Rak Ke Kahin
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte The
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte Hain
Hum Bhool Gaye Hain Rak Ke Kahin

Umeed Bhi Ajnabee Lagti Hai
Aur Dard Paraya Lagta Hai
Umeed Bhi Ajnabee Lagti Hai
Aur Dard Paraya Lagta Hai
Aaine Mein Jisko Dekha Tha
Bichda Hua Saaya Lagta Hai
Aaine Mein Jisko Dekha Tha
Bichda Hua Saaya Lagta Hai
Hum Bhool Gaye Hain Rak Ke Kahin
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte The
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte Hain
Hum Bhool Gaye Hain Rak Ke Kahin

Na Jaane Khana Chhod Aaye Hai
Woh Shaks Jise Hum Jaante The
Na Jaane Khana Chhod Aaye Hai
Woh Shaks Jise Hum Jaante The
Aahat Bhi Sunaye Deti Nahin
Parchayi Se Hum Pehchaante The
Aahat Bhi Sunaye Deti Nahin
Parchayi Se Hum Pehchaante The
Hum Bhool Gaye Hain Rak Ke Kahin
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte The
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte Hain
Hum Bhool Gaye Hain Rak Ke Kahin
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte The
Woh Cheez Jise Dil Kehte Hain
Hum Bhool Gaye Hain Rak Ke Kahin

---------------------

Raat Aati Hai

singer: Shubha Mudgal

Raat Aati Hai Chali Jaati Hai Harjai Hai
Raat Aati Hai Chali Jaati Hai Harjai Hai
Phir Mere Ghar Mein Dabe Paaon Chali Aayi Hai
Raat Aati Hai Chali Jaati Hai Harjai Hai
Phir Mere Ghar Mein Dabe Paaon Chali Aayi Hai
Raat Aati Hai Chali Jaati Hai Harjai Hai

Shyam Hote Hi Jala Deti Hai Palko Pe Diye
Shyam Hote Hi Jala Deti Hai Palko Pe Diye
Raat Se Pooche Koyi Kiske Liye Kiski Liye
Koyi Aahat Bhi Nahin Aur Koyi Aata Bhi Nahin
Raks Karti Hai Jo Shabh Bar Meri Tanhaayi Hai
Raks Karti Hai Jo Shabh Bar Meri Tanhaayi Hai
Raat Aati Hai Chali Jaati Hai Harjai Hai

Raat Se Pooche Koyi Kiski Kahani Hogi
Raat Se Pooche Koyi Kiski Kahani Hogi
Zakhm Bharte Nahin Chot Purani Hogi
Dard Seene Mein Chhupa Rakha Hai Shayad Koyi
Koyi Zewar Hai Kisi Ghum Ka Chura Laayi Hai
Raat Aati Hai Chali Jaati Hai Harjai Hai
Phir Mere Ghar Mein Dabe Paaon Chali Aayi Hai
Raat Aati Hai Chali Jaati Hai Harjai Hai

-----------------------

Rabba Rabba

Singers: Vasundhara Das, Sukhwinder Singh


MALE--
Piya

--FEMALE--
(Ve yaara da koi naiyyo
Rabba rabba rabba rabba, rabba rabba rabba rabba) - 2
Saari duniya ke hai sang hi main akeli
Rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba

--MALE--
(Ve yaara da koi naiyyo
Rabba rabba rabba rabba, rabba rabba rabba rabba) - 2

--FEMALE--
Saari duniya ke hai sang hi main akeli
Rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba - 2

--MALE--
Piya, piya, piya paapiya

--FEMALE--
Piya paapiya, diya, gham diya
Aa rula de mujhe, aazma le mujhe

--MALE--
Piya paapiya, diya gham diya

--FEMALE--
Saari duniya ke hai sang hi main akeli
Rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba
Ve yaara da koi naiyyo
Rabba rabba rabba rabba, rabba rabba rabba rabba

--MALE--
Ve yaara da koi naiyyo
Rabba rabba rabba rabba, rabba rabba rabba rabba
Piya, piya, piya paapiya

--FEMALE--
Aa kabhi tu bhi aa, aa kabhi taras kha
Pyaasi hai jaan meri, mausamein baras jaa

--MALE--
Piya paapiya, diya gham diya

--FEMALE--
Saari duniya ke hai sang hi main akeli
Rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba rabba
Ve yaara da koi naiyyo
Rabba rabba rabba rabba, rabba rabba rabba rabba

--MALE--
Ve yaara da koi naiyyo
Rabba rabba rabba rabba, rabba rabba rabba rabba
Dhum tanana tana...
Piya, o piya piya piya
Piya piya, piya piya, piya piya
Ho paapiya, paapiya, paapiya, o

---------------------

Ramleela

Singers: Amitabh Bachchan, Nandita Das, Kavita Mundra


Hat Jaao Ravan Maarungi Baan
Ram Ke Paas Hai Teer Kamaan Teer Kamaan
Hat Jaao Ravan Maarungi Baan
Ram Ke Paas Hai Teer Kamaan Teer Kamaan
Ravan Ke Paas Hai Gyaan Hi Gyaan
Ravan Hai Tujh Se Bada Vidwaan Bada Vidwaan
Lanka Mein Ja Ja Ke Danka Bajaiyo
Are Ja Apne Ghar Mein Tu Sheki Dikhaiyo
Jaanti Nahin Tu Are Are Sorry Sorry
Jaanta Nahin Tu Ravan Ka Dab Daba
Tod Ke Rak Dega Duniya Ka Dabba
Chutki Mein Tujhko Masal Denge Ram
Chutki Mein Tujhko Masal Denge Ram
Edhi Ke Niche Kuchal Denge Ram Kuchal Denge Ram
Bolti Bahut Hai Tu Ram Ki Bachchi
Bolti Bahut Hai Tu Ram Ki Bachchi
Haran Dekha Ke Le Jaaunga Sachchi
Haran Dekha Ke Le Jaaunga Sachchi
Phir Dekhenge Jab Aayega Hanumaan

Aye Ravan Hai Ravan Bol Na Zyaada,
Hasti Hai Kya Teri Paaltu Piyada
Pooch Mein Aag Laga Ke, Teri Sone Ki Lanka Jala Dongi
Are Gi Nahi Ga Ga Ga Okay, Sone Ki Lanka Jala Donga
Sita Ko Bandi Banaya Hai Tune, Ram Ko Jaake Bata Donga
Are Sagar Kaise Paar Karega, Pani Mein Gir Kar Doob Marega
Are Lanka Bharat Baat Diya Hai, Phone Ka Taar Bhi Kaat Diya Hai
Phone Ka Taar Bhi Kaat Diya Hai
Hanuman Hanuman Hanuman Hanuman
Hanuman Bhaiya E-Mail Kardo, Hanuman Bhaiya E-Mail Kardo
Ram Ko Meri Jaldi Khabar Do, Jaldi Khabar Do

Ravan Hey Ravan Yudh Ho Jaye, Aah Ho Jaye Ho Jaye
Paapiyun Se Duniya Shudh Ho Jaye
Are Lanka Ka Danka Bajta Rahega
Jab Tak Ram Hai Ravan Rahenga, Jab Tak Ram Hai Ravan Rahenga
Jab Tak Ram Hai Ravan Rahenga, Jab Tak Ram Hai Ravan Rahenga
Ravan Rahenga Ravan Rahenga, Ravan Rahenga Ravan Rahenga
Are Bhai Ravan Rahega Yaar, Ram Ke Roop Hazaron Hai Ravan
Raghupati Ragav Patit Paawan , Patit Paawan
Ram Ke Roop Hazaron Hai Ravan
Raghupati Ragav Patit Paawan, Patit Paawan

-----------------------

Yeh Raat

Singer: Anupama

Yeh Raat Yeh Raat
Jali Ki Chipkali Raat
Yeh Raat
Kadi Aur Kombdi Ki Raat
Na Ugli Hi Jaye Na Nigli Hi Jaye
Yeh Kali Zehrili Raat
Pal Pal Balkhaati Pal Pal Uljaati
Palke Jhapakti Yeh Raat
Sannate Ki Sij Pe Soye
Saap Si Sarakti Raat
Yeh Raat Yeh Raat
Jali Ki Chipkali Raat
Yeh Raat
Kadi Aur Kombdi Ki Raat
Yeh Raat

Yeh Kali Zehrili Raat
Palke Jhapakti Yeh Raat
Saap Si Sarakti Raat
Kali Kali Kali Yeh Raat
Veeraana Veeraana Hai Veeraana
Dil Ko Lakh Basa Le Yeh Deewana
Veeraana Veeraana Hai Veeraana
Dil Ko Lakh Basa Le Yeh Deewana
Ujhdi Ujhdi Rehte Hai Dil Saari
Veeraano Se Basta Hai Veeraana
San Karke Marti Hai Boom Karti Hai Kali Kodyali Raat
Yeh Raat Yeh Raat
Jali Ki Chipkali Raat
Yeh Raat
Kadi Aur Kombdi Ki Raat
Yeh Raat
Na Ugli Hi Jaye Na Nigli Hi Jaye
Yeh Kali Zehrili Raat
Pal Pal Balkhaati Pal Pal Uljaati
Palke Jhapakti Yeh Raat
Sannate Ki Sij Pe Soye
Saap Si Sarakti Raat
Yeh Raat Yeh Raat

Abhi Abhi Raat Badi Tezaabi
Gir Na Jaye Haath Se Chand Rakabi
Abhi Abhi Raat Badi Tezaabi
Gir Na Jaye Haath Se Chand Rakabi
Doob Rahe Hai Sare Gul Kinare
Umad Umad Ke Raat Aayi Sailaabi
Kholti Badan Par Bolti Badan Par
Jalti Ubalti Raat
Yeh Raat Yeh Raat
Jali Ki Chipkali Raat
Yeh Raat
Kadi Aur Kombdi Ki Raat
Yeh Raat
Na Ugli Hi Jaye Na Nigli Hi Jaye
Yeh Kali Zehrili Raat
Pal Pal Balkhaati Pal Pal Uljaati
Palke Jhapakti Yeh Raat
Sannate Ki Sij Pe Soye
Saap Si Sarakti Raat
Yeh Raat Yeh Raat
Yeh Kali Zehrili Raat
Palke Jhapakti Yeh Raat
Saap Si Sarakti Raat
Kali Kodyali Yeh Raat

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Aankhen (2002) - A bank robbery masterminded by Amitabh Bachchan

Aankhen released in the year 2002 and was a heist movie but with a twist. Based on a Gujarati play ‘ Andhalo Pato’ it had some of the leading names of Bollywood like, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal and Sushmita Sen in leading roles. Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the movie was appreciated by one and all for its unique plot. It went on to become a huge commercial hit and garnered a lot of critical appreciation as well.

An obsessive temperamental bank manager Vijay Singh Rajput (Amitabh Bachchan) loses his job after he manhandles a bank clerk caught embezzling money. Embittered at losing his job he plots revenge on the bank by carrying out a heist. He comes up with a brilliant idea of training three blind men, Vishwas (Askhay Kumar), Ilyas (Paresh Rawal) and Arjun (Arjun Rampal), to carry out the robbery once he realises that the visually handicapped can be trained to do anything. He decides that their handicap (blindness) is the best alibi that one can come up and one that will save his skin as well.

He forces Neha, a teacher at a blind school, to train these three individuals. Neha is forced to carry out Vijay’s bidding as he has kidnapped her younger brother. Neha trains Vishwas, Ilyas and Arjun to overcome their blindness and act as ‘normal’ people. By elaborate and careful planning, she prepares the three men to carry out the heist without a glitch. The bank robbery is a success and the trio are able to run away to safety with the jewels. However there is only a small problem- Ilyas’s face is exposed, that is caught on the closed circuit cameras and that help the police to launch a massive man-hunt.



Meanwhile Vishwas and Arjun return to Neha convinced that she is not the main culprit behind the crime and are determined to get to the truth. They advice Ilyas to hide the jewels and they return to the training centre. At the centre Neha is used by Rajput to extort information from the duo, failing which she is killed of by him. Soon it is just Rajput and Vishwas and Arjun who have to duel with him. As soon as Iliyas returns Rajput tortures him so that he will reveal the hiding place of the jewels. Iliyas dies and the police turn up. In the argument that follows, Rajput lets it slip that he orchestrated the entire thing. The film has two alternate endings. The first one sees Rajput behind bars, while Arjun and Vishwas are celebrating their victor. The other one has Rajput bribing the cop to get out of jail. In the last scene Akshay Kumar and Arjun Rampal are sitting in a train (waiting for it to depart) and Mr Rajput is standing on the platform with a smile on his face.


Aankhen (2002) - A bank robbery masterminded by Amitabh Bachchan

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Produced by Gaurang Doshi
Written by Shobhana Desai, Aatish Kapadia, Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal,
Music by Jatin-Lalit, Aadesh Shrivastav
Lyrics Prasoon Joshi, Nitin Raikar
Cinematography Ashok Mehta
Editing by Shirish Kunder


VIDEOS OF SONGS

Chalka Chalka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPUL_E5g0CQ




Gustakhiyan Hai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRK1zDST89Y




Kuch Kasme Hai Jawa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkNpeDJel-g




Phatela Jeb Sil jayega

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1AoayX2vE4




LYRICS


Gustakhiyan Hain, Betabiyan Hain

Singers: AADESH SHRIVASTAVA & VASUNDARA


Gustakhiyan Hain, Betabiyan Hain, Chaayi Hain Madhoshiyan
Hosh Uda Do, Sab Kuchh Bhula Do, Todo Yeh Khamoshiyan
Yeh Dhadkan Ki Raftaar Hai, Yeh Saason Ka Angaar Hai
Yeh Ishq Sulagne Do Zara, Yeh Chaahat Ka Iqraar Hai
Jaane Jaan Oh Jaane Jaan...

Aawara Armaan Hai, Yeh Dil Ka Aelaan Hai,
Jaan Tujh Pe Qurbaan Hai, Jaanejaan...
Aawara Armaan Hai, Yeh Dil Ka Aelaan Hai,
Jaan Tujh Pe Qurbaan Hai, Jaanejaan...
Ek Hulchul Si Hone Lagi, Maein Jannat Mein Khone Lagi
Mujhko Baahon Mein Thaam Lo, Phir Na Rukne Ka Naam Lo
Gustakhiyan Hain, Betabiyan Hain, Chaayi Hain Madhoshiyan...

Deewarein Sab Tod Do, Mausam Ka Rukh Modh Do
Har Kashti Ko Chhod Do, Jaanejaan Jaanejaan...
Deewarein Sab Tod Do, Mausam Ka Rukh Modh Do
Har Kashti Ko Chhod Do, Jaanejaan Jaanejaan...
Maein Hoon Teri Aagosh Mein, Kuchh Hosh Mein Kuchh Josh Mein
Kuchh Sholay Hain Kuchh Hai Jalan, Kuchh Behke Behke Hain Kadam
Gustakhiyan Hain, Betabiyan Hain, Chaayi Hain Madhoshiyan...
Hasti Mita Do, Masti Luta Do, Chhodo Bhi Yeh Dooriyaan
Yeh Ishq Sulagne Do Zara, Yeh Chaahat Ka Iqraar Hai
Jaane Jaan Oh Jaane Jaan


-------------
Kuch Kasme

Singers: SONU NIGAM, ALKA YAGNIK


Kuch Kasme Hai Jawaan Kuch Vaade Hai Haseen
Kuch Kasme Hai Jawaan Kuch Vaade Hai Haseen
Kaisa Hai Yeh Asar Jaadoo Hai Dekho Har Kahin
Kuch Dil Mein Pyaas Hai Aur Tu Bhi Paas Hai
Woh Jhuk Kar Aasmaan Lagta Hai Chume Yeh Zameen

Jab Kahin Chalte Hai Yeh Pyaar Ki Hawa
Yeh Dil Wahin Panchhi Ban Ke Udta Hai
Aur Kya Hota Hai Is Pyaar Mein Bata
Yeh Ishq Ka Toofan Kaise Thamta Hai
Chaayi Bekhudi Yeh Kaisi Dilkashi
Chaahat Ki Har Ada Kitni Dekho Hai Shabnami
Kuch Dil Mein Pyaas Hai

Dil Hi To Samje Hai Jo Dil Ki Hai Zubaan
Na Samja Hai Na Samjhega Jahaan
Doob Ke Mohabbat Mein Kuch To Paayenge
Sahil Pe Moti Hote Hain Kahan
Kuch Rishte Hai Naye Kuch Baatein Ankahi
Baarish Hai Pyaar Ki Bheeghegi Aaj Dil Ki Zameen
Kuch Kasme Hai Jawaan Kuch Vaade Hai Haseen
Kaisa Hai Yeh Asar Jaadoo Hai Dekho Har Kahin

------------------


Phatela jeb sil jaayega

Singers: NITIN RAIKAR, AADESH SHRIVASTAVA & ARUN BAKSHI

Phatela jeb sil jaayega, jo chaahega mil jaayega
Tere bhi din aayenge chhote, achcha khaasa hil jaanyega
Rukne ka nahin, thakne ka nahin, life mein chalte rehne ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Phatela jeb sil jaayega, jo chaahega mil jaayega
Tere bhi din aayenge chhote, achcha khaasa hil jaanyega
Rukne ka nahin, thakne ka nahin, life mein chalte rehne ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta

Khaane ka hai chicken curry, usko mangta pati hari
Jeb main tere dus rupiya, peele cutting khaale bhajiya
Khaane ka hai chicken curry, usko mangta pati hari
Jeb main tere dus rupiya, peele cutting khaale bhajiya
Kismat pe, rone ka nahin, calender badalte rehne ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Nitin Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta

Aaj to hai andhera, kal hoga ujaala
Arre apni diwaali hogi, kisi aur ka hoga diwaala
Kal dekh lenga paisa, hoga goni bhar kar
Income tax officer, toh haath dhoke hi peechhe pad jaayega ha ha ha!
Phatela jab sil jaayega, jo chaahega mil jaayega
Tere bhi din aayenge chhote, achcha khaasa hil jaayega
Rukne ka nahin, thakne ka nahin, life mein chalte rehne ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta

Phatela jeb sil jaayega, jo chaahe mil jaayega
Arre boltaaej pakda baap line mein aa, line mein aa
Kyun ka kyun ka!
Tere bhi din aayenge chhote, achcha khaasa hil jaanyega
Rukne ka nahin thakne ka nahin life mein chalte rehne ka
Life mein chalte rehne ka hey! life mein chalte rehna ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta -4

----------------------

Nazron Ne Teri

Singers: UDIT NARAYAN, KAVITA KRISHNAMURTHY


Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai
Tera Dil Hum Chura Le Gaye Dil Ban Ke Hum Aagaye
Tera Dil Hum Chura Le Gaye Deewane Kya Jaane Tu Deewangi Meri
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai

Dil To Churaya Tumne Hamara Is Dil Ka Tum Kya Karoge
Humne Bhi Dekho Aisa Kiya Jo Phir Tum Bhi Aahen Bharoge
Dekho Isse Na Shararat Kaho Dil Ki Zaroorat Kaho
Dekho Isse Na Shararat Kaho Aajao Baahon Mein Chaane Do Yeh Bekhudhi
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai

Jab Se Mile Tum Aise Khile Hum Phoolon Ki Neende Ki Udi Hai
Rishta Yeh Kaisa Saason Se Saasein Dhadkan Se Dhadkan Judi Hai
Abhi Milke Na Hoge Juda Wada Yeh Wada Raha
Abhi Milke Na Hoge Juda Jeena Hai Marna Hai Mujhe Raaho Mein Pyaar Ke
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai
Tera Dil Hum Chura Le Gaye Dil Ban Ke Hum Aagaye
Tera Dil Hum Chura Le Gaye Deewane Kya Jaane Tu Deewangi Meri
Deewani Kya Jaane Tu Deewangi Meri

----------------------

All The Best

Singer: Remo Fernandez


Khel Ke Dil Nasheen Maut Bhi Hai Haseen
Hai Maza Har Gadi Ab Yahaan
Kehta Hai Dil Deewana Hai Dekho Koyi Anjaana
Jaanbaazo Ko Hi Kehta Jahan
All The Best All The Best
All The Best All The Best
Kitne Yahan Josh Hai Ab Kahan Hosh Hai
Din-Ba-Din Badh Raha Yeh Junoon
Saason Mein Hai Raftaare
Jaane Main Ban Haare
Jaanbaazo Ko Hi Kehta Jahan
All The Best All The Best
All The Best All The Best
Baby All The Best Very Very Best

Zindagi Se Maut Tak Aakhri Har Daud Tak
Khel Khele Ek Naya Saath Hum
Jaanbaazo Ko Hi Kehta Jahan
Yeh Masti Ka Hai Aalam
Jeene Marne Ka Kya Gham
Jaanbaazo Ko Hi Kehta Jahan
All The Best All The Best
All The Best All The Best
Very Very Best To You
All The Best All The Best
All The Best All The Best

----------------------

Amitabh Soliloquy, Title Song


Sach Bahut Hi Ajeeb Aur Garib Hota Hai Yeh Sach Aksar
Asaamaanya Adbhud Kalpana Se Bhi Zyaada Vichitra Hota Hai Yeh Sach Aksar
Woh Sach Jo Hume Naya Lagta Hai Anjana Sa Ek Jhalak Dikhake Chaunka Deta Hai Jo Hume
Use Ajooba Maan Ne Lagte Hai Hum Aksar
Sach Woh Bhi Jo Alaukik Hai Hamari Samaj Ke Baahar Aur Usi Ka Darr Lagta Hai Hume Aksar
Aur Sach Ka Nakab Pehne Hue Kuch Na-Mumkin Kisse
Ahistha Ahishta Wakiye Sach Ban Jaate Hai Aksar
Aisa Hi Ek Na-Mumkin Kissa Asamaan Adbudh Akalp Andekha Anjaana Aparichit Kissa
Sach Hone Ja Raha Hai Ek Khatarnak Saazish
A Dangerous Game Is About To Begin.

Aankhen Aankhen Aankhen Aankhen
Ajooba Hi Ajooba Hai Khel Mein
Masti Hi Masti Hai Khel Mein
Aankhen Aankhen
Darr Darr Ke Jeene Mein Kya Maza
Jeete Ga Jis Dil Mein Hai Ada
Aankhen Aankhen
Jis Dil Mein Hai Josh Humnasheen
Usi Ke Liye Mushkile Bhi Haseen
Jis Dil Mein Hai Josh Humnasheen
Usi Ke Liye Mushkile Bhi Haseen
Masti Hi Masti Hai Hai Junoon

Nasron Ke Hatiyaar Bekaar Hai
Kismat Badal Ne Ke Aasaar Hai
Nasron Ke Hatiyaar Bekaar Hai
Kismat Badal Ne Ke Aasaar Hai
Ishaara Hai Ishaara Hai Maut Ka
Aankhen Aankhen
Ajooba Hi Ajooba Hai Khel Mein
Masti Hi Masti Hai Khel Mein
Aankhen Aankhen
The Game Begins Now

----------------------

Chalka Chalka

Singers: Javed, Alka Yagnik

Chhalka Chhalka, Jaam Hoon Mein -2
Honton Pe Rakh Le Chhalakne Se Pehle
Chhalka Chhalka Jaam Hoon Mein
Honton Pe Rakh Le Chhalakne Se Pehle
Har Nasha Kar Le Sharaabi Bahekne Se Pehle -2
Chhalka Chhalka, Jaam Hoon Mein
Honton Pe Rakh Le Chhalakne Se Pehle
Har Nasha Kar Le Sharaabi Bahekne Se Pehle -2

Bhale Chaahe Sab Se Chhupa Kar Tu Pi
Magar Ishq Mein Main Mila Kar Tu Pi
Ye Ishq Nasha Hai, Ye Husn Nasha Hai
Ye Jaam Sharaabi, Kehne Ko Nasha Hai
Ho….ho…soch Le Har Baat, Tu Bhi Utar Ne Se Pehle
Thodi Si Tu Bhi Pila De Re Utar Ne Se Pehle

Jawaani Ki Khilti Bahaaron Se Mil
Mere Husn Ke Tu Sitaaron Se Mil
Uljaa De Zulfein, Bikhra De Kajal
Is Diwaani Ko Tu Kar De Paagal
Ho….ho…aur Behkaade Tu Mujhko Sambhalne Se Pehle -2
(Chhalka Chhalka Jaam Hoon Mein
Honton Pe Rakh Le Chhalakne Se Pehle) -2
Har Nasha Kar Le Sharaabi Bahekne Se Pehle -2

La La La La La La La La Re La La Le La Re…

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Yaarana (1981) - Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Amjad Khan and Neetu Singh (Amjad Khan in a positive role)

Yaarana released in the year 1981 and is one of the rare films where Amjad Khan stars along side Amitabh Bachchan in a positive role. Nearly all his other films with Amitabh Bachchan had him playing the role of the villain. The film directed by Rakesh Kumar also stars Neetu Singh, Tanuja and Kader Khan. Its super duper hit songs remain popular till date.

The film begins at a time when the two protagonists are still in their teen years. Young Bishan Kumar (Amjad Khan) lives with his widowed mother and Kishan (Amitabh Bachchan) his best friend. Kishan is a simple village youth who has a god gifted voice for singing. The two friends are inseparable and love each other greatly. However soon they are separated as Bishan moves to Bombay with his uncle and his mother. However the friends swear to never forget each other. Bishan goes on to finish his education in foreign shores and returns home to run his father’s successful business.

Bishan returns to the village in search of Kishan, determined to bring him to the city and launch him as a singer. Initially reluctant, Kishan gives in to his friend’s request and comes to city. Here he meets Bishan’s wife Sheela (Tanuja) and son Munna. Bishan hands over Kishan to Bharatji (a leading musician of Bombay) to train his untrained voice and to Komal (Neetu Singh) he hands over the responsibility of turning him into a gentleman. Kishan is reluctant to let go of his simple village manners but once he realises the efforts of his friend and falls in love with Komal, he learns fast. Soon he becomes a major singing superstar.

Kishan then comes to know that Bishan had taken huge loans from the market in order to fund his training and shows. Bishan has now lost his fortune to his uncle and to his friend’s career. Unhappy with things, Sheela has left her husband. Munna is found in a mental institution unable to speak at all. And most shocking of all Bishan is found aboard a ship holding children hostage and demanding a huge ransom. Can Kishan bring back Munna’s voice? Why has Bishan resorted to crime? Who are the real guys? The climax of the film finds Kishan finding answers to all these questions and proving his worth as a ‘true’ friend.

AWARDS WON

Best Supporting Actor - 1982 - Filmfare Award - Amjad Khan

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Rakesh Kumar
Produced by F.A. Nadiadwala
Written by Gyandev Agnihotri, Vijay Kaul, Kader Khan
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Tanuja, Aruna Irani, Kader Khan, Ranjeet, Amjad Khan
Music by Rajesh Roshan
Lyrics Anjan
Cinematography Peter Pereira
Editing by Waman Bhonsle, Gurudutt Shirali

Friday, February 19, 2010

Trishul (1978) - Directed by Yash Chopra and starring Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor

The film Trishul released in the year 1978. It was directed by Yash Chopra and starred the leading stars of that era, like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini and Rakhee. The movie was a super duper hit at the box office and turned out to be one of the top successes of 1978.

Shanti (Waheeda Rehman) and RK Gupta (Sanjeev Kumar) are in love and plan to tie the knot soon. However RK’s mother wants him to marry his boss’s daughter and the heiress to a booming construction company, Kamini. RK gives into the temptation of success and marries his mother’s choice. A heart broken Shanti discovers she is pregnant. She leaves the city to bring up her illegitimate son Vijay enduring a lot of hardships. At her deathbed she makes Vijay promise that he will avenge her humiliation and shame.

A young Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) embittered by his life experiences comes to Delhi where RK Gupta (his father) lives, seeking to take revenge. RK Gupta has in the meanwhile has become a construction baron loved and respected by his friends and admirers and feared by his opponents. He also has a son from his wife Kamini, Vicky (Shashi Kapoor) and a daughter, Poonam Dhillon. While his father is the leader of the construction industy, Vijay has nothing but his self belief to help him start his own outfit and make it a success. He does so and is ably supported in this venture by Rakhee who plays his secretary. Determined to destroy his father’s business and his reputation, he takes on big risks and lands successful deals.

Unaware that Vijay is his own son, RK is incensed with the fact that a rookie is fast becoming his competitor and breathing down his neck. The father-son duo then takes each and every opportunity to bring down the other. Caught in this cross fire are Shashi Kapoor and his love interest Hema Malini; the latter having briefly caught Vijay’s fancy. As the battle rages on between father and son, Vijay unwittingly helps out his half sister (Poonam Dhillon) to marry her sweetheart (Sachin). An enraged Shashi Kapoor goes to confront his brother who then informs the former of his parentage. RK’s entire family then decides to walk out on him, choosing Vijay over him. The climax of the film sees a repentant RK realising his mistake of the past and recognising Vijay as his son.

Sanjeev Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan put in sterling performances as father and son. Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Poonam Dillon and Sachin provide competent support. Rakhee is very good as a level-minded intelligent secretary. Yash Chopra and Salim Javed live up to their reputation of being the numero uno director-writer combination.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by Yash Chopra
Produced by Gulshan Rai
Written by Javed Akhtar, Salim Khan
Starring Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Raakhee Gulzar, Waheeda Rehman, Prem Chopra, Poonam Dhillon
Music by Khayyam
Cinematography Kay Gee
Editing by B. Mangeshkar
Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Great Gambler (1979) - A double role of Amitabh Bachchan and also starring Neetu Singh and Zeenat Aman

The Great Gamber released in the year 1979 and was directed by the super hit director Shakti Samanta and had in a double role, Amitabh Bachchan. Essentially a film about look-alikes and mistaken identities, it was a departure for the director in terms of the genre of the film and the hero. Samanta was known for his romantic films and for his close association with Rajesh Khanna. The film did not do too well but is known for its foot tapping songs.

Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) is an expert gambler and has been one for as long as he can never. He has the reputation of never having lost a game. His skills bring him to the attention of the underworld don Saxena (Utpal Dutta). Saxena is keen on hiring Jai as he wants the latter to win large amounts of money from rich people and then to influence them into doing whatever he (Saxena) wants. Jai agrees to play for Saxena without knowing of the bigger plan. One of Jai’s first victim is Nath(Jagdish Raj) a government employee who loses amount of money to Jai and is then blackmailed by Saxena into revealing the blueprints of a top-secret military laser weapon that can hit any target within 50 miles.

The Indian police come to know of this plan and assign the case to Inspector Vijay (Amitabh Bachhcan agajn) who is asked to apprehend Jai at any cost. The only hitch to this plan is that Inspector Vijay is Jai’s look alike but unlike his doppelganger he cannot gamble. There is a confusion of identities and Jai and Vijay both coincidentally are sent to Rome. In Rome Vijay is sent to recover proof against underworld don Saxena by his past henchman. On the other hand Jai is onto a money-making scheme that has him marrying rich girl Mala (Neetu Singh) in order to inherit her money. Mala however mistakes Vijay for Jai at the Rome airport and Vijay decides to go along with this to find out more about his look alike. Jai meanwhile meets Shabnam (Zeenat Aman), a club dancer who has been sent by Saxena to sidetrack Vijay and sabotage his mission to retrieve evidence against Saxena. However Shabnam mistakes Jai for Vijay and Jai gets involved into killing Saxena's former henchman to retrieve the blueprints of the laser weapon. The climax sees Jai and Vijay joining hands to finish off the bad guys.

Despite the heavy duty presence of big stars, the film refuses to take off primarily due to its many twists and turns that at times becomes a tad confusing. However Amitabh Bachchan’s suave portrayal of Jai and his dynamic characterisation of Vijay makes this film worth a watch.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Shakti Samanta
Produced by C.V.K. Shastri
Written by Shakti Samanta, Ranjan Bose
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Neetu Singh
Music by Rahul Dev Burman

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Shakti (1982) - Directed by Ramesh Sippy, starring the powerful Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan

Shakti released in the year 1982 and was directed by Ramesh Sippy. Written by the inimitable duo of Salim-Javed, it starred thespian actor Dilip Kumar and superstar Amitabh Bachchan as father and son. Although the film was only a moderate success at the box office, it was notable for being the first and the only film to feature these two stalwarts of Bombay film industry. It was not a battle between these two actors but an interesting and intense duet where they played off each other’s strength. As audience you are left wonderstruck at the mastery of these two superb artists.

DCP Ashwini Kumar (Dilip Kumar) is known for his honesty across the police force. He is scrupulously sincere, conscientious, moralistic and hard working. He does not let personal sentiments stand in the way of his duty. His principles are severely tested when his child Vijay Kumar is kidnapped by gangster JK Verma (Amrish Puri). Verma demands that DCP Kumar release one of his accomplices who had been arrested by the honest cop or he will kill Vijay. An intense battle rages inside DCP Kumar as the father and cop battle it out. The cop emerges triumphant and he refuses to bow down to blackmail. He declines to release the criminal. Vijay escapes from the kidnappers himself and is eventually saved.

Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) grows up never forgetting for even a day that his father had placed his duty over and above his son’s life. He feels a particular kind of resentment towards his father even though he is devoted to his mother (actress Rakhee plays Amitabh Bachchan’s mother in this film). Eventually he moves out of his father’s house and starts living with Roma Devi (Smita Patil). As an act of defiance he starts working for mobster K.D Narang (Kulbhushan Kharbanda), an erstwhile accomplice of JK who had saved Vijay as a child by letting him escape. Vijay decides to repay that act of mercy by doing all of Narang’s dirty work and illegal activities. Eventually the rivalry between JK and Narang forces Vijay to act as bodyguard for Narang and go on the run with him. Even though Rakhee tries to mediate between father and son, it is of no avail. However Kumar accepts Roma as his daughter-in-law. The climax of the film sees Kumar gunning down his own son as he tries to escape from the country. Vijay dies in his father’s arms secure and happy in the knowledge that he had never been abandoned by his dad.

The film is a must watch for the once in a lifetime coming together of Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. The two set the screen on fire with their amazing histrionic powers. Amitabh especially is very good in his brooding understated avatar.

AWARDS WON

Filmfare Best Movie Award
Filmfare Best Actor Award - Dilip Kumar

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Ramesh Sippy
Produced by Mushir Alam, Mohammad Riaz
Written by Javed Akhtar, Salim Khan
Starring Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee Gulzar, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Amrish Puri
Music by R.D. Burman
Lyrics Anand Bakshi
Cinematography S.M. Anwar
Editing by M.S. Shinde

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Shahenshah (1988) - Amitabh's comeback vehicle also starring Meenakshi Seshadri and Jaya Prada

Shahenshah released in the year 1988 and was Amitabh Bachchan’s comeback vehicle after a three year hiatus during which he had become involved in active politics. Directed by Tinnu Anand, the story of the film was written by the superstar’s wife and actress Jaya Bachchan. There was tremendous hype around the film as hordes of die-hard fans of the superstar had been waiting impatiently for his return.

The movie opens with a corrupt and snivelling bank manager Mathur (Prem Chopra) and his partner-in-crime, underworld baron JK (Amrish Puri). Mathur is in a financial mess and he along with JK decides to rob the very bank for which he works. Inspector Shrivastav (Kader Khan) is an honest police officer who gets wind of this plot and is about to crack the case when JK frames in a false case enlisting the help of an exotic dancer Julie (Aruna Irani). Unable to bear the shame of the charges levelled against him, Inspector Shrivastav hangs himself at home after being released on bail. This creates a lasting and powerful impression on his young son, Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), who retains the noose his father had used to hang himself.

Vijay grows up in the care of Inspector Aslam Khan (Pran) and follows in his dead father’s footsteps to become a cop. Aslam Khan is an honest cop however Vijay is a sycophantic and cowardly inspector, prone to bribery and giving in to powerful criminals. Vijay finds himself in the payroll of JK who now runs a major underworld empire past the cops. Soon a new spectre makes his appearance that calls himself Shahenshah and is a costumed crime fighter. His iron hand is used to attack enemies and smash objects, and Shahenshah's other weapon is a noose. He describes himself as one man army who is out to do the job meant for cops. He not only apprehends criminals but sits on judgement and then executes the punishment. It is revealed a bit later that Shahenshah is actually Vijay, who has created this alter ego so as to punish the guilty and not be bogged down by the corrupt system. He also seeks to avenge his father’s death.

At this time we are introduced to Shalu (Meenakshi Seshadri), a small time trickster who is also out to eliminate JK as the latter had ordered the assassination of her mother Julie. JK then ends up murdering Salim (Vijendra Ghatge) who was about to expose his crime ring. Salim was engaged to Shaheena (Supriya Pathak), the daughter of Aslam Khan. Vijay now decides to openly confront JK. Julie agrees to testify against JK. And JK prepares for an all out war against Shahenshah, Vijay, Shalu and the lot of his enemies. There is a veritable bloodbath on the streets as good fights evil and there is a final showdown where Shahenshah reveals his secret identity and becomes the nemesis for all the culprits.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Tinnu Anand
Produced by Tinnu Anand
Written by Jaya Bachchan (story), Inder Raj Anand (screenplay and dialogues)
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Meenakshi Seshadri, Jaya Prada, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani, Prem Chopra, Kader Khan, Pran
Music by Amar Utpal

Monday, February 15, 2010

Saudagar (1973) - starring Amitabh Bachchan and Nutan - about human relations and selfish nature

Saudagar released in the 1973 is a poignant tale of human failings, especially those of greed and unfaithfulness. It starred the unlikely combination of a very young Amitabh BAchchan and a much older Nutan. It also introduced a new face to Indian cinema, that of Padma Khanna who later on went to do many negative roles. It was one of Nutan’s last leading roles.

Moti (Amitabh Bachchan) is a ‘gur’ (jaggery) trader who used to trade the seasonal Khajur (date nectar) gur. He has a flourishing trade and people from nearby and even far off villages flock to his humble stall. His business associate in this venture is Majubhi (Nutan) a widow who does the actual job of preparing the Gur while Moti scaled the long date trees to retrieve the nectar. One day on a visit to a nearby village he comes upon Phoolbanu (Padma Khanna) and is besotted by her beauty. He asks her father for her hand in marriage. Phoolbanu’s father asks for a certain amount as “Haqmehr” (bride price). However Moti does not have the requisite amount.

Moti goes out on a limb to save money for his marriage. He gets a diabolical idea and decides to marry Majubhi so that he does not have to pay her money to prepare gur, thus helping him save more of his income. Unaware of Moti’s real intentions a surprised Majubhi agrees to the proposal. The two get married and Majubhi starts preparing Gur for Moti as his wife. The Gur made by her is a huge hit and Moti is able to make a substantial profit after the end of the season. As soon as he has enough money for the Mehr he divorces a surprised and bewildered Majubhi. Soon thereafter he marries Phoolbanu. The two settle down to domestic bliss till such time that the Gur season arrives and then their heaven falls apart.

Moti knows no other trade than collecting date nectar and Phoolbanu is the spoilt child of her father who does not know how to prepare Gur. The Gur prepared by her fail to pass muster and soon Moti starts losing customers. His business, his reputation, his dreams-all of it starts going downhill. An angry and poor Moti is not what Phoolbanu wants and she leaves. Majubhi by this time has gotten married to a widower by the name of Majhi who is a fish trader. The end of the season finds a defeated and crestfallen Moti approaching Majubhi to make Gur for him. At first Majubhi refuses, still hurt by the way Moti used her and then dropped her. However her husband, Majhi convinces her to prepare Gur for Moti one last time. Does she agree? And what happens to Moti-has he learnt his lesson? The climax of the film answers all these questions.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Sudhendu Roy
Writing credits:
Narendranath Mitra story
Sudhendu Roy screenplay
P.L. Santoshi dialogue

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Nutan, Padma Khanna, Murad, Leela Mishra, Dev Kishan, Jugnu, V. Gopal, C.S. Dubey

Produced by
Ajit Kumar Barjatya .... associate producer
Kamal Kumar Barjatya associate producer
Rajkumar Barjatya .... associate producer
Tarachand Barjatya .... producer

Original Music by: Ravindra Jain
Cinematography by Dilip Ranjan Mukhopadhyay
Film Editing by Mukhtar Ahmed
Art Direction by Sudhendu Roy

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Mili (1975) - Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee

Mili released in the year 1975 and saw the return of the successful trio of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. This film is also the last film for which S.D. Burman scored music; after he finished composing for this film he went into a year long coma and finally passed away. For Hrishikesh Mukherjee it was his second movie, after Anand, which talked of terminal illness. However the film is not a tragedy, it is a very melancholic, yet very bright, pleasant and thoroughly optimistic piece.

Mili (Jaya Bachchan) is this effervescent young girl who infuses verve and energy with her bright and happy disposition. She is forever bubbly, vivacious, outgoing and a big prankster. Shekhar (Amitabh Bachchan) moves into the penthouse above the apartment that Mili’s family occupies and initially they end up disliking each other. Shekhar is haunted by ghosts of his past. Shekhar’s father had accused his mother of infidelity and the tension of this act had resulted in the death of both. Shekhar moves into Mili’s universe like a dark cloud-one that is full of anger, negativity and melancholy.

Soon Shekhar and Mili become friends and the latter helps Shekhar to shed the baggage of his past and move on to a happier state of being. She helps him to realise that life is a mixed bag of good and bad. The two fall in love but he does not know that Mili is suffering from leukaemia. This news takes the wind out of Shekha’r sail and he decides to move out of the housing society as he is unable to deal with the thought of a dying Mili. It is Aruna Irani, Mili’s friend and a woman of debatable moral virtues, who helps Shekhar realise the fact that it is now his turn to be there for Mili just as she has been there for him.

Shekhar decides to marry Mili, brushing aside all her protestation and at the end the duo fly out of the country to seek better medical remedies for Mili. Mili’s death is left like an open-ended question by the director and this helps to infuse a lot of hope into the film. A poignant and brilliantly told story, Mili can be easily ranked among the greatest emotional dramas of its times. Mukherjee’s direction is splendid and very real. Amitabh Bachchan is brilliant as Shekhar and puts in a restrained performance with his brooding good looks. Ashok Kumar is effortless and Aruna Irani makes an impact in a small role. However the film belongs to Jaya Bhaduri (Bachchan). She is funny, charming and yet you do note the underlying fear. Her characterisation makes Mili one of the most lovable and unforgettable characters of Hindi cinema.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Produced by: Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
Written by: Bimal Dutta, Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza, Mohini N. Sippy
Starring: Ashok Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Asrani, Aruna Irani, Parikshat Sahni
Music by: Sachin Dev Burman
Cinematography: Jaywant Pathare
Editing by: Hrishikesh Mukherjee

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006) - starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan in this story of relationships

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna released in the year 2006. Produced by Dharma Productions and directed by Karan Chopra, it marked a serious u-turn in the director’s career as he stayed away from candy floss and tackled a subject as taboo as extramarital affair within the commercial cinema framework. It starred the leading stars of Bolywood, like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan and Kirron Kher in pivotal roles.

The film begins with Dev Saran (Shahrukh Khan) a successful football player who is on the verge of signing a major deal with a club. He accidentally bumps into Maya (Rani Mukherjee)- a to be married bride suffering from pre marriage jitters. Dev counsels Rhea and the two connect instantly. They part ways and Maya goes on to marry her childhood friend Rishi Talwar (Abhishek Bachchan). Unbeknownst to Maya, Dev meets with an accident on his way out of the marriage reception that ends his career. Dev is married to Rhea (Preity Zinta) a successful career woman who works with a fashion magazine. After Dev’s accident it falls upon Rhea to support the family.

The duo, Dev and Maya meet after four years courtesy the formers son who studies in Maya’s class. Dev has turned into an embittered man courtesy his own unfulfilled dreams and his wife’s ever increasing success that is hard for his male ego to accept. Maya on the other hand feels unfulfilled in her marriage as she has not been able to fall in love with her husband. She loves Rishi as a friend and is indebted to his father Samarjit, a.k.a Sexy Sam (Amitabh Bachchan) for taking care of her. Dev and Maya realize that their situations are similar and decide to help each other repair their breaking marriages. However things do not turn out as intended as their intense chemistry keeps drawing them to each other. Rishi and Rhea are also fighting for their respective marriages but their efforts are insignificant in the face of Maya and Dev's growing love for each other.

Their clandestine affair comes out in the open when they are caught by Samarjit and Dev’s mother Kamaljeet. Sam unable to accept the fact that his beloved daughter-in-law is cheating on his son suffers a fatal heart attack and as he lies on his death bed, he tells her to leave his son Rishi since neither of them are happy in their marriage. Dev and Maya decide to go back to their respective partners but they come clean about their affair. Rishi and Rhea decide to end their respective marriages. But the two star crossed lovers keep this a secret, each living apart from the other as a form of penance. Three years down the line Maya comes to know the truth and tries to reunite with Dev. The climax of the film sees the lovers finally meeting up and confessing their true feelings.

AWARDS WON

Best Supporting Actor-Abhishek Bachchan-Filmfare Awards.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Karan Johar
Produced by Hiroo Johar
Written by Karan Johar, Shibani Bathija, Niranjan Iyengar
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, Kirron Kher
Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Cinematography Anil Mehta
Editing by Sanjay Sankla

Friday, February 12, 2010

Deewar (1975) - Superstar Amitabh Bachchan along with Rishi Kapoor in this great hit

Deewar, released in 1975, is considered by many to be a benchmark of what a good commercial film ought to be all about. The film scored highly in all the components that go into making a brilliantly successful film-directing, writing, acting and music.
The strength of the film lies in the fact that it talks of a problem common to us all- the problem of sticking to the path of good and truth at the cost of all.

Anand Verma (Satyen kappu) is a moralistic and upright trade union leader who works hard to better the lives of his fellow workers. His family consisting of his wife (Sumitra Devi-Nirupa Roy) and two songs (Vijay Amitabh Bachchan and Ravi, Shashi Kapoor) is small and happy. Anand however is blackmailed by his corrupt bosses who threaten to kill his wife and sons if Anand does not comply with the terms and conditions set down by the management. Left with no choice, he agrees and the workers turn on him believing him to be a traitor to their cause. He flees from the place, abandoning his family. His family is also persecuted by the angry mob who brand young Vijay’s arm with the words “My father is a thief”. Sumitra Devi is forced to bring her children to Mumbai where she struggles as a day labourer to care for her now homeless boys.

Vijay grows up with a sense of acute victimisation. He sacrifices his education and starts working from a very young age to help out his mother. Soon he catches the eyes of an underworld boss who offers him the opportunity to leave behind his impoverished lifestyle by joining the world of crime. Ravi’s life follows an exactly opposite direction. He is an excellent student and grows up to become an upright police officer. Soon Vijay falls for Veera (Neetu Singh), the daughter of the Police Commisioner, while Vijay falls for Anita (PArveen Babi) a “loose” woman. When their mother comes to know of Vijay’s nefarious activities she leaves him. The brothers have a famous confrontational scene (“Mere Paas Maa Hai”-Our mother is with me) considered to be one of the best written scenes of Hindi films. The climax sees Vijay repenting for the wrong choices he made in his life and his mother forgiving her errant son as he lies dying in his arms.

Deewar is a must watch film on many counts. First of all Salim-Javed’s story and screenplay is very powerful and thought provoking. Secondly, Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Vijay as the wronged son who strays off the right path is superlative. Parveen Babi as the liberated working, smoking, drinking and sleeping with her lover before marriage is also very good. But the film belongs to Yash Chopra who as the man wielding the baton does a marvellous job.


CAST

Directed by Yash Chopra
Produced by Gulshan Rai
Written by Salim-Javed
Starring Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi
Music by Rahul Dev Burman
Cinematography Kay Gee
Editing by T.R. Mangeshkar, Pran Mehra

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Chupke Chupke (1975) - comedy super-movie starring Amitabh and Dharmendra

Chupke Chupke released in the year 1975 and was a remake of the hit Bengali movie Chhadmabeshi (Disguiser). It starred the leading stars of that era like Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash, David, Asrani and Keshto Mukherjee. The movie was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and had S.D.Burman composing music for the film. Chupke Chupke till date remains one of the best comedy films made in Hindi cinema.

Professor Parimal Tripathi (Dharmendra) is a botany professor who by chance meets and falls in love with Sulekha Chaturvedi (Sharmila Tagore) during a women's college botany excursion. Parimal takes on the disguise of the caretaker of a bungalow in which Sulekha comes to stay along with her college friends and teacher. It is she who is able to find out about Parimal’s true identity and two get married after a whirlwind romance. Parimal is fond of practical jokes and is unable to resist the temptation of playing out one on Sulekha’s brother-in-law (Jijaji, Raghavenra eanacted by Om Prakash) whom she worships as her ideal.

Jijaji is in need of a trusted driver/chauffeur and writes to his brother-in-law and Sulekha’s brother Haripat (David) to send him a reliable person from his place. Parimal comes up with the idea of going to Jijaji’s place dressed as a driver. Sulekha is confident that her beloved Jijaji will see through Parimal’s disguise and challenges him to fool her Jijaji. Parimal takes up the challenge sportingly and sets out for Allahabad in the guise of a driver. He becomes Pyaremohan Alahabadi a man who speaks ‘shudh’ (pure, undiluted) Hindi. Sulekha too joins in the fun after a couple of days. Meanwhile Pyaremohan has Jijaji in a tizzy with his incessant questions on English grammar and has the well known lawyer running for cover.

Soon they convince Jijaji that Sulekha is unhappy in her marriage and has feelings for Pyaremohan. To add more drama they bring in Sukumar Sinha (Amitabh Bachchan), a Professor of English, to pose as Parimal, just as the duo (Sulekha and Parimal) go into hiding. Parimal's long-time friend P K Srivastava (Asrani) is also party to the prank. His sister-in-law Vasudha (Jaya Bachchan) suspects fake 'Parimal' - Sukumar Sinha - of infidelity to his wife when he tries to get close to her. Sukumar falls in love with Vasudha who at first believed he was Parimal, but Sukumar reveals to her the real drama behind all this mix-up of situations. The climax sees Sukumar and Vasudha marrying in a temple while Jijaji is finally able to see through Pyaremohan disguise and recognise him as the real Parimal.

The film is a laugh riot and is a situational comedy. Dharmendra as Parimal, Om Prakash as Jijai and Amitabh Bachchan as Sukumar put in terrific performances. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s direction is light and right and S.D. Burman composes some wonderful numbers especially Ab Ke Sajan.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Produced by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
Written by Shakeel Chandra, Upendranath Ganguly, Gulzar, D.N. Mukherjee, Biren Tripathy
Starring Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash, Asrani
Music by Sachin Dev Burman
Lyrics Anand Bakshi
Cinematography Jaywant Pathare
Editing by Subhash Gupta, Pandit Shridhar Mishra

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Bhootnath - an old Man (ghost) and a young child - starring Amitabh Bachchan (2008)

Bhoothnath the film is an adaptation of the Oscar Wilde short story, The Ghost of Canterville. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawala, Aman Siddiqui, Priyanshu Chatterjee and Rajpal Yadav and Shahrukh Khan. Essentially a film meant for kids, it has a strong message on love and respecting one’s elders. At the end of the film you do get to understand what Virgnina from the original story had meant when she had said that the ghost had taught her “what Life is, what Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both.”

The opening sequence of the film sees a family being scared out of a house by a ghostly figure. Soon after Banku, his mother Anjali Sharma (Juhi Chawla) moves in to the same house called the Nath villa. Banku’s father Aditya, an Engineer with a cruise liner has to be away from his family for the greater part of the year. Even though the family is amply warned about the presence of a ghost in the house, they refuse to believe in such hogwash. Barely have they moved in to the new place that Aditya is called back to his ship. Now it is up to Anjali and Banku to make the new place their home.

As a new boy in school Banku has a tough life and back home, it is the ghost who makes his life pretty miserable. Banku however is not afraid of the ghost and even gives him a name, Bhoothnath. Soon this oddball duo strikes up a warm friendship. The ghost is actually none other than the original owner of the Nath Villa, Kailash Nath. He had send his only child to the US to study and he did not come back home to his parents. Father and son have an argument one day while the son (Priyanshu Chatterjee) is visiting and he promises never to return. As Kailash Nath runs after his son, he trips and falls and hurts his head. He dies on the spot and ever since then his spirit has haunted the house, never letting any family settle down and make it their home since he is so embittered.

However Banku, who resembles his grandson, is able to reach out and thaw his cold anger. This is the story that Bhoothnath tells Anjali. Soon after Anjali decide to perform his last rites so that he can move on. Bhoothnath aka Kailash Nath’s son also makes it to the last rite ceremony and father is able to forgive his repentant son. Banku is heartbroken as he realises that he has lost his friend forever but his father reassures him that Bhoothnath will forever look after Banku as his guiding star.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Vivek Sharma

Writing credits: Sudhanshu Dube
Screenplay and dialogue: Vivek Sharma

Star Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Satish Shah, Rajpal Yadav, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Aman Siddiqui, Shahrukh Khan

Produced by
Kenedy Bakshi .... executive producer
Abhay Chopra .... associate producer
B.R. Chopra .... producer
Kapil Chopra .... associate producer
Ravi Chopra .... producer

Original Music by: Vishal Shekhar
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Background score: Saleem Suleiman

Cinematography by Vishnu Rao

Film Editing by Sanjay Verma

Production Design by Muneesh Sappel

Art Direction by Muneesh Sappel